Service Learning:

An Introduction
 What is Service Learning?
 Service Learning combines community service with
classroom instruction, focusing on critical and reflective
thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility.
 It engages students in the educational process, using
what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life
problems. Students not only learn about democracy
and citizenship, they become actively contributing
citizens and community members through the service
they perform through experiential learning, research,
presentation skills and reflection.
 The partnerships built between community, students
and faculty are reciprocal meaning shared
responsibility and gain helping students address local
needs while developing their academic skills and
commitment to their community.
What is Service Learning?

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTAfH
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 Service Learning is Different From:
 Volunteerism
◦ Primary emphasis is on work being provided. Generally not linked
to intentional formal or information learning/reflection
 Community Service
◦ Primary emphasis in on the service being provided, some
intentional opportunities for reflection maybe incorporated, often
not
 Internships
◦ Engagement is primarily for the purpose of gaining hands-on
experiences to enhance learning of a particular filed of study. Often
not linked to academic learning.
 Field Education/Work
◦ Engagement if the work of a community organization related to
their academic field of study. Not fully integrated into their current
coursework, limited opportunities for reflection.
 Service Learning Compared
Focus
Service Learning
Service Learning
Community Service Field Education
Volunteerism Internship
Understanding Service Learning:
An Exercise
Why Do Service Learning?
 Why Do Service Learning?
 Because it…
◦ Promotes numerous academic skills:
 Problem Analysis
 Critical Thinking
 Logical Reasoning
 Detailed Observation
 Issue Identification
◦ Enhances
 Student Motivation to Learn
 Student Retention
◦ Improves Student Learning Outcomes
◦ Encourages
◦ Sustainability
◦ Civic Engagement